What are the driving sensations of positive toe and negative toe?
2 Answers
When the two front wheels of a car have zero or positive toe, the steering wheel feels too light with no resistance, making the car prone to drifting. In contrast, with negative toe, there is excellent resistance, and the steering stability is better during turns. Here are the detailed explanations: 1. Concept: When the central planes of the two front wheels are not parallel, if the distance between the front edges of the wheels is less than that of the rear edges, it is called negative toe; if the distance between the front edges is greater than that of the rear edges, it is called positive toe; if the distances are equal, it is zero toe. Most modern cars have negative toe on the front wheels. 2. Advantages: Proper front wheel toe can create a tendency for the wheels to turn inward, offsetting the adverse effects of wheel camber. This ensures the wheels roll straight without lateral skidding, reduces abnormal tire wear, and allows the steering to automatically return to center after a turn. Additionally, due to deformation at the suspension system's pivot points, the front wheels may have a tendency to turn outward, which can also be compensated for by front wheel toe.
As someone who frequently commutes by car, I've driven many vehicles and found that toe-in settings make the car exceptionally stable. On highways, there's no need to constantly adjust the steering wheel—it feels like the car knows exactly where to go, making long drives less tiring. However, toe-out is different. In city driving, the steering becomes very responsive; a slight turn of the wheel quickly guides the car into bends, giving a sense of lightness that suits those who enjoy handling. But on highways, it can feel a bit floaty, as if the car wants to sway side to side, requiring constant attention to the steering, which can be stressful. I've also heard that toe-out accelerates wear on the outer edges of tires, meaning more frequent replacements over time. Toe-in, on the other hand, results in more even wear, saving some hassle. If you often drive long distances, toe-in is the more practical choice.
